Andrew Girsham finished his education in the public schools of New York. and there, at the age of fifteen, began learning the trade of paperhanging and staining. His relations for about fourteen years were with Westerberg, Jefferson & Co., and under their able and efficient instruction lie mastered every detail of the business. In 1967 he moved to Guttenberg, Hudson County, N. J., where he has since resided and followed his trade.

While Mr. Girshain has gained a wide reputation as a talented paperhanger and stainer, he has also achieved prominence in public affairs. He has always been an ardent Republican, fearless and consistent in party interests, and patriotic and loyal in the welfare of his county and State. In April. 1861, he enlisted in the Eleventh New York Volunteer Infantry, known as Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth's New York Fire Zouaves, and served for about thirteen months, participating in the first battle of Bull Run and in numerous skirmishes, and being present at Newport News during the historic engagement between the "Merrimac" and "Monitor." In town matters he has been especially prominent. He served as a Constable for nine years as a Justice of the Peace for five years, as a Recorder of the Town of Guttenberg for three years. and as a School Trustee for twelve years, being district clerk for about five years. On June 22, 1898, he was commissioned Postmaster of Guttenberg, which office he now holds. He has also been an active member of the Republican committees of Guttenberg and Hudson County and a delegate to many conventions, and in every capacity has acquitted himself with credit and honor.

He is a member of Ellsworth Post, No. 14, G. A. R., of the Town of Union, and of the Volunteer Firemen's Association of the City of New York. He is progressive, public spirited, and faithful to every trust, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the community.